"I have seen in your eyes a fire of determination to get this war job done quickly. My confidence in you is total, our cause is just. Now you must be the thunder and lighting of Desert Storm."

General Schwarzkopf

On 2 August 1990, Iraqi military forces invaded and occupied Kuwait. Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein claimed the action was the culmination of an "economic war" Kuwait had been waging against Iraq. Additionally, the Iraqi leader accused Kuwait of stealing oil.

The United Nations immediately condemned Iraq's actions and passed resolutions calling for military action against the country if Hussein did not withdraw his forces by 15 January 1991.

Iraq ignored all demands, and in response, a coalition of UN forces began immediately to build in Saudi Arabia. On January 12, Congress granted President Bush the authority to wage war.

Hostilities commenced on January 17, as the 36 members of the coalition forces, under the direction of American General H. Norman Schwarzkopf, initiated an air campaign to disable Iraq's communications, air defenses, and early warning radar installations. On February 25, coalition ground forces invaded Kuwait and Iraq, forcing Iraq to concede a cease-fire after only 100 hours.

The Gulf reunited the American people and the military, helping to mend the wounds from the Vietnam War. Returning service members were welcomed back and faith in the military's effectiveness was restored. Still, the war was not without controversy. Friendly fire accounted for almost a third of the Americans killed, raising doubts about the advances in military technology.

Bush invites Tariq Aziz to Washington and offers to send Secretary of State James Baker to Baghdad.

Jan 9, 1991

Baker and Aziz meet in Geneva. The meeting is 6 hrs, but no results.

Jan 12, 1991

Congress votes to allow for US troops to be used in offensive operations.

Jan 15, 1991

The deadline set by the UN Resolution 678 for Iraq to withdraw.

Jan 16, 1991

First US government statement of Operation Desert-Storm made. Marlin Fitzwater announces, "The liberation of Kuwait has begun..." The air war started Jan 17 at 2:38 a.m. (local time) or January 16 at 6:38PM EST due to an 8 hour time difference, with an Apache helicopter attack. US warplanes attack Baghdad, Kuwait and other military targets in Iraq.

Jan 17, 1991

Iraq launches first SCUD Missile attack.

Jan 30, 1991

US forces in the Gulf exceed 500,000.

Feb 6, 1991

Jordan King Hussein lashes out against American bombardments and supports Iraq.

Feb 13, 1991

US Bombers destroy a bunker complex in Baghdad with several hundred citizens inside. Nearly 300 die.

Feb 17, 1991

Tariq Aziz travels to Moscow to discuss possible negotiated end to the war.

Feb 22, 1991

President Bush issues an ultimatum of Feb. 23 for Iraqi troops to withdraw from Kuwait.

Feb 23, 1991

Ground war begins with Marines, Army and Arab forces moving into Iraq and Kuwait.

Feb 25, 1991

Iraqi SCUD missile hits a US barracks in Saudi Arabia killing 27.

Feb 26, 1991

Kuwaiti resistance leaders declare they are in control of Kuwait City.